The Welsh Government has awarded £10m in grant funding to 32 community green energy projects across Wales. The projects involve the deployment of solar panels, heat pumps, battery storage, and electric vehicle charging points across schools, leisure centers, care homes, and community centers. The funding supports the Welsh Government’s Ynni Cymru program, which aims to support locally-owned renewable energy generation and smart local energy systems.
The projects receiving funding include deployment of solar PV and battery storage at village halls, rugby clubs, mosques, and community buildings. Other recipients include schools, business parks, and leisure facilities. The initiative is expected to smarten up energy use, reduce carbon emissions, and empower communities to produce their own energy.
Welsh Economy, Energy and Planning Minister Rebecca Evans called the projects “ground-breaking” and said that the funding supports the growth of innovative, locally-driven projects while reducing the need for large-scale infrastructure. With the funding secured, the project teams will move forward with plans to install new renewable energy equipment over the next few months, delivering a more sustainable and renewable energy future for Wales.